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Posted

Next year we are moving on to using python in coding club.

 

I have some stupidly old Lenovo laptops R61's if that means anything.

Would I be able to maybe put some form of linux on and give them to the kids to use python on rather then using the school networked computers?

Posted

How did you set it up on your network for it to be safe?

 

We are a primary school so don't have massive resources for virtual labs etc and theres only about 10 - 15 students that would use it

Posted

We just use the Python GUI (IDLE) and usual restrictions, in a properly secured network the most they should be able to do is just mess around with the desktop locally which would take a 5 minute rebuild..

 

Hell, if they manage to do some damage I'll tip my hat off to them before excluding them.

Posted

I just started using IDLE a couple of weeks ago - no real problems if you keep an eye on the kids

 

Mind you this is only primary and they have little exposure to coding before I got here a few months ago so they dont't realise the potential yet but it all seems fine on the normal networked computers

 

However - I use it on Ubuntu as well - works fine

 

p.s. any good resources???

 

I have some - but many don't work - as I have discovered when I have tried to use them - making my own now!!

Posted

Just remember that there are two "live" versions of Python, 2.7 and 3.4 (or 3.5 can't recall which it's up to now) and there are some differences between them that will make some code from one not work on the other. When searching for guides/examples it's important to check which version it uses and then adapt it to the version you're using if necessary.

 

As for security, as @Arreks says it's not a big issue in a properly secured network, Python follows most of the restrictions put in place by GPO etc and can only break them with a lot of tinkering and knowledge.

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  • 6 months later...
Posted (edited)

Sorry for the bump but I didn't see the point in creating my own thread..!

 

Since we block students being able to run all potential nasties (such as PowerShell scripts, batch files, cmd, exe, reg, vbs), I presume the security risks of allowing Python to be run on domain machines are significantly reduced? (I have nigh on zero knowledge about Python!)

 

Most people seem to like the sandboxed VM approached, but I only have the time to set all of that up if it's necessary.

Edited by mrhcarlin
Posted
Codecademy looks great, but I just created myself an account and I can't seem to find blank templates. It just seems to be lessons and tutorials? If it has a blank slate where you can just write anything and not necessarily follow the instructions outlined, it would be perfect I think.
Posted
Sorry for the bump but I didn't see the point in creating my own thread..!

 

Since we block students being able to run all potential nasties (such as PowerShell scripts, batch files, cmd, exe, reg, vbs), I presume the security risks of allowing Python to be run on domain machines are significantly reduced? (I have nigh on zero knowledge about Python!)

 

Most people seem to like the sandboxed VM approached, but I only have the time to set all of that up if it's necessary.

 

There's always a risk associated. If they're smart enough to find some vulnerability or exploit they could execute shell code etc. Safest option (besides having standalone laptops/computers) is a VM but that does take more time.

Posted

@mrhcarlin

 

Thats why its called "Code Academy" its where you learn to code using lessons, for young students of your school. If you search around you will find plenty more which will probably have what you require,

 

Good luck :)

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Posted
We just use the Python GUI (IDLE) and usual restrictions, in a properly secured network the most they should be able to do is just mess around with the desktop locally which would take a 5 minute rebuild..

 

Hell, if they manage to do some damage I'll tip my hat off to them before excluding them.

 

Look out - last time we discussed this sort of thing somebody had a right old go at me about network security. #yolo

 

GJE

Posted
Look out - last time we discussed this sort of thing somebody had a right old go at me about network security. #yolo

 

GJE

 

I don't work there anymore so not my problem ;) new place doesn't use Python.

Posted

What's the threat not allowing python is stopping? If you're monitoring the systems you can see who's running what anyway, and they'll have broken the law if they attacked the system.

 

Sadly Code Academy does Python 2, not 3, because they're weird.

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